The Chinese community was so well organized, it was able to stage two Chinese operas in Barkerville in 1872!

The Barkerville Chinese community also participated in the activities of the community at large. In 1869 they erected an arch at the entrance of Chinatown to welcome visiting Governor Musgrave, and prepared a speech "to offer you a cordial welcome, and to assure you of our loyalty and devotion to the Government of Her Most Gracious Majesty, the Queen".